Climate-Resilient Mediterranean Plants & Specimen Trees
Secure your garden's future with premium, cold-hardy Olive trees, Palms, and Tree Ferns tested for modern UK climate extremes. From ancient gnarled olives to blight-resistant hedging, we provide data-backed hardiness ratings and phytosanitary-certified specimens to eliminate "Hardiness Anxiety" and ensure immediate structural impact.
Our Premium Botanical Collection
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Climate-Resilient Plants & Trees for UK Landscapes
At Palm and Olive, we curate a sophisticated range of mature, specimen-grade flora specifically selected to thrive in the UK’s shifting environmental reality. Our 2026 collection prioritizes hardiness, water-wise sustainability, and instant structural impact, allowing you to create a Mediterranean sanctuary that is built to last.
Our Specialist Category Pillars include:
Ancient & Architectural Olive Trees
From gnarled 100-year-old specimens to elegant topiary clouds, our cultivars are tested for superior cold-hardiness (down to -15°C) and drought tolerance in well-drained UK soils.
Cold-Hardy Tropical Palm Trees
Transform your space into a year-round sanctuary with varieties like the rock-solid Trachycarpus fortunei (hardy to -15°C) and the iconic Phoenix canariensis, selected for their ability to withstand British frost and winds.
Hardy Mediterranean Fruit Trees
Combine elegance with productivity. Our collection features Fig trees, Grape Vines, and Citrus, curated to produce high-quality yields in the UK’s increasing summer heat.
Architectural Tree Ferns
Exotic Dicksonia antarctica specimens that provide a lush, "urban sanctuary" feel. These slow-growing botanical investments offer unique trunk-based hydration and unmatched year-round texture.
Blight-Resilient Topiary & Hedging
Navigate the box blight crisis with scientifically superior alternatives like Ilex crenata and Photinia 'Red Robin,' providing instant privacy and structured elegance.
Variety-Specific Acer Trees
Prized for their architectural silhouettes and vibrant autumn color, our Japanese Maples include rare varieties selected for their resilience in diverse UK regional climates.
Every plant in our collection is an established, high-value specimen delivered with a healthy root system for guaranteed establishment. We provide the technical data and certified quality required to eliminate "Hardiness Anxiety," ensuring your landscape makes an immediate and lasting instant impact.
Free UK mainland delivery on every order and Expert botanical aftercare included.
Shop Our Specimen Collections by Category
Explore our hand-selected range of mature, architectural flora.
Why Choose Palm and Olive for Your Plants and Trees?
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Expert Selection for the UK’s Shifting Environment
At Palm and Olive, we curate a sophisticated range of mature, specimen-grade flora specifically selected to thrive in the UK’s shifting environmental reality. Our 2026 collection prioritizes hardiness, water-wise sustainability, and instant structural impact, allowing you to create a Mediterranean sanctuary that is built to last.
Eliminating "Hardiness Anxiety"
We provide the technical data and certified quality required to eliminate "Hardiness Anxiety". From Olive Trees tested for superior cold-hardiness down to -15°C to Palm Trees selected for their ability to withstand British frost and winds, we ensure your landscape makes an immediate and lasting impact.
Established Specimen-Grade Quality
Every plant in our collection is an established, high-value specimen delivered with a healthy root system for guaranteed establishment. We specialize in architectural silhouettes, from gnarled 100-year-old Olives to vibrant Japanese Maples, ensuring your specimen tree is a botanical investment that flourishes in your unique regional climate.
Free Delivery and Expert Aftercare
We believe your slice of paradise should be a stress-free experience. That is why we offer Free UK mainland delivery on every order and include expert botanical aftercare to support you long after your plants have arrived.
Featured Plants and Trees
Professional Logistics & Specialist Delivery
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Seamless Transport for Architectural Specimens
Moving a 500kg tree isn't a standard courier job; it’s a technical operation. Transitioning a mature specimen from our specialist nursery to your landscape requires precision, specialized equipment, and air-ride suspension to prevent root-ball vibration. We manage a professional logistical chain designed to protect your investment from the moment it leaves our site to the moment it is secured in your garden. For a behind-the-scenes look at our precision process, see our Specimen Tree Logistics & Site Access Guide.
Specialist HIAB Crane Services
For our largest and heaviest Ancient Olive Trees and architectural Palm Trees, we utilize HIAB crane-assisted vehicles. This is essential for safe offloading and surgical placement on your property.
Professional HIAB services allow us to navigate the restricted access common in UK urban environments—lifting specimens over walls, 2-meter hedges, or even single-story extensions. This ensures your tree is positioned exactly where it needs to be with minimal manual handling.
Note: HIAB delivery is arranged on a case-by-case basis to match your specific site requirements and incurs a bespoke fee.
Plant Health & Biosecurity Compliance
In the 2026 UK landscape, biosecurity is no longer optional—it is a legal and environmental necessity. Every tree in our collection, from our Fruit Trees to our Acers, is fully compliant with UK Plant Health regulations and carries a valid Plant Passport.
Our rigorous quarantine and technical testing protocols ensure that your garden remains protected from devastating "Notifiable Pests" like Xylella and Processionary Moth. We uphold the highest standards of UK biosecurity to guarantee that your "slice of paradise" is a safe addition to the British ecosystem. You can learn more about how we protect your landscape in our article on The Importance of UK Plant Passports.
The Ultimate Care Guide for Establishing Mediterranean Specimens in the UK
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Step 1: Site Preparation & Soil Health
Success begins before the tree even leaves our nursery. Most Mediterranean species require free-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.5–8.5. In the UK, the most common hurdle is heavy, compacted clay which can lead to root asphyxiation.
We recommend incorporating horticultural grit and organic matter to improve pore space. For a technical, step-by-step soil fix, read our professional guide on How to Prepare Clay Soil for Mediterranean Trees.
Step 2: Planting & Structural Support
When planting your Fruit Trees or Acers, the geometry of the pit is vital. Ensure the hole is twice the width of the root ball but no deeper than the original container.
For larger architectural trees, traditional staking is often insufficient. we recommend an underground anchoring system. This secures the root ball directly to the base of the pit, preventing the "sail effect" from high UK winds and allowing new "hair roots" to settle undisturbed. See our Master Guide to Planting Specimen Trees for detailed anchoring methods.
Step 3: Watering & Winter Protection
While established Mediterranean plants are famously drought-tolerant, newly planted specimens are in a "recovery phase." They require consistent, "deep-soak" watering for the first two growing seasons to encourage downward root migration.
As winter approaches, the UK's "flash freezes" become the primary risk. Protect your investment—especially sensitive Tree Ferns—by following our Winter Protection Strategy. This covers everything from hygroscopic mulching to technical horticultural fleecing.
Technical Care and Frequently Asked Questions for Specimen Plants and Trees
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Which specimen trees are best suited for container gardening in the UK?
Many of our high-value specimens, particularly Citrus, Topiary, and Dwarf Olives, thrive in large, well-drained pots. For modern urban balconies or courtyard terraces, we recommend cultivars like the Arbequina olive, which is favored for its compact growth habit and self-fertile nature. We have created a complete manual on Container Gardening for Specimen Trees to help you select the technical compost mixes and pots required for long-term health.
Can Mediterranean trees survive a -15°C UK winter?
Yes, but hardiness is dependent on soil structure. While a Trachycarpus fortunei (Chusan Palm) or a mature Ancient Olive can biologically withstand temperatures as low as -15, they are highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. In the UK, winter wet is a greater threat than cold alone. Success requires a grit-amended, loamy soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 6.5–8.5.
How often should I water a newly planted olive tree during a UK heatwave?
Newly planted specimens are in a "recovery phase" and lack the deep root systems of established trees. During the increasingly common dry spells, such as the record droughts witnessed in 2025, a "deep-soak" method is essential. We recommend a watering frequency based on pot size and specimen age: typically 20–50 liters twice a week during peak summer to encourage downward root migration.
What is the best alternative to Box hedging that is resistant to blight?
Due to the widespread impact of "Box Blight," we recommend Ilex crenata (Japanese Holly) as the scientifically superior alternative. It provides the same tight, formal aesthetic as Buxus sempervirens but is entirely resistant to the blight pathogen. Other high-performance options for 2026 include Photinia Red Robin and Lonicera nitida.
Do I need to wrap my Tree Fern (Dicksonia antarctica) every winter?
In London and the South East, Tree Ferns generally require protection only when temperatures drop consistently below -5. However, because they grow only 1–2 cm per year, protecting the crown is an essential "investment insurance" to protect your asset's value. Use breathable horticultural fleece rather than plastic to prevent rot. For a full breakdown, see our Winter Protection Strategy.
Why is my olive tree losing its leaves in a container?
This is often a "stress signal" related to drainage rather than disease. Ensure your pot has multiple drainage holes and is elevated on "pot feet" to prevent water tension at the base. If the soil is waterlogged, the tree cannot "breathe," triggering a defensive leaf drop to protect its core.
What if I need help after my tree is planted?
Our relationship with your landscape is long-term. We provide expert diagnostic support to ensure your "slice of paradise" flourishes despite the UK’s shifting climatic environment. If you notice yellowing leaves or stunted growth, consult our Plant Health Troubleshooting Guide or contact our botanical aftercare team for a tailored recovery plan.
